PRINCETON, N.J. — For the first time ever, USRowing and FISA, along with the support of the Agitos Foundation, will host an international Para rowing training camp in the United States. The 2017 Para-Rowing International Training Camp and Regatta will take place March 4-12, 2017, at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota-Bradenton, Fla., the site of the 2017 World Rowing Championships.

Based in Bonn, Germany, the Agitos Foundation is the development arm of the International Paralympic Committee. It is the leading global organization for developing Para sport as a tool for changing lives and contributing to an inclusive society for all.

Objectives of the camp include increasing the number of Para-rowing coaches and athletes from countries where Para-rowing is nonexistent or emerging, increasing opportunities for all participating athletes to compete in Para-rowing at a world-class venue, and expanding opportunities for all participants in cross-training and athlete transfer.

We can’t compete unless there are other countries to compete with. Para sports are growing throughout the world, with expanding opportunities for athletes in multiple sports, and I’m excited to build this relationship.”

“We can’t compete unless there are other countries to compete with. Para sports are growing throughout the world, with expanding opportunities for athletes in multiple sports, and I’m excited to build this relationship,” said USRowing’s Director of Para-Rowing, Tom Darling. “The training camp uniquely offers athletes the opportunity to learn one sport intensively over the first six days with daily on-water Para-rowing drills, combined with opportunities to try out hand-cycling and triathlon.

“Accomplished Para-athletes in multiple endurance sports can share their knowledge of learning new sports after performing at a high level in one. Ambitious athletes can actively explore their sports of interest. Expanding training options during this camp means more athletes will find the sports in which they excel, and this will help grow all Para-sports internationally.”

To date, National Paralympic Committees from Canada, Chile, Mexico, and the United States are committed to the event, with additional interest from Cuba, Jamaica, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Guatemala and Peru.

Activities include daily on-water Para-Rowing with Paralympic coaching, introductions to hand cycling and triathlon with high performance experts from USRowing and the United States Olympic Committee. Seminars will be held in physiology, nutrition, sport psychology, strength conditioning and injury prevention.